I already tried to be nice and politely excused his (the inspectors)oversight. I showed him approx 20 Pics of Panteras with the same bumpers and one of are on are actually on Oahu! I also sent the diagram from the Ford Parts manual and that when the clown tells me it isn't even connected to frame, but just bolted onto the body.
The inspector's job before this…Kona Lawn care services!!
I'm collecting data/pics for my presentation.
For the sake of the rest of the pre-ls in Hawaii, I hope you prevail.
RING!.RING!!...RING!!!...WINNER!!!quote:Originally posted by OCWILEY:
I already tried to be nice and politely excused his (the inspectors)oversight. I showed him approx 20 Pics of Panteras with the same bumpers and one of are on are actually on Oahu! I also sent the diagram from the Ford Parts manual and that when the clown tells me it isn't even connected to frame, but just bolted onto the body.
The inspector's job before this…Kona Lawn care services!!
I'm collecting data/pics for my presentation.
Based on the inspector's prior job & THOROUGHLY LACKING the knowledge & expertise to "Correctly" determine the Factory mounted style of bumper that is currently on your DeTomaso Pantera, the inspector is UNQUALIFIED to make a proper determination
as it applies to your specific situation.
DON'T capitulate to the inspectors ignorance, speak to the person of highest authority, present your factual documentation in a calm and professional manner and seek a amicable solution.
Tell the current inspector if you had a problem with invasive crabgrass you would seek his opinion, otherwise..."Get the F**K OUT of MY WAY"!!!...Mark
I was wondering if you have Consumer Advocate at one of your tv/radio stations that could make a phone call to the head of the state agency that runs the state inspections, and he could ask the same questions you have been asking, and maybe drop the word (discrimination). I know they hate bad PR...just a thought...good luck
Cancel his Costco card for 'lack of proper ID', Tim!
The idea of stepping over everyone's head unfortunately is the way to go.
I had a similar situation and the way it actually got solved was to write to my "Congressman". I got a phone call from his staff.
They verified what I wrote in the letter, then they called the "Director" of the agency directly on behalf.
Within an hour I had a phone call from the Director himself with an apology. He ordered a full investigation and it did take three days for the agency to correct the situation.
I did get another call back from the Director's aid asking if it had been corrected.
In my case going to the Congressman's office worked for me. Apparently even though this was a NYS agency, and there is a separation of powers, there is always some type of "Federal" funding available somewhere such as US Highway" funding and no one wants to be identified on the "evening news" as creating interest in a "Congressional Investigation" with agency heads being subpoenaed to testify in a WTF situation?
After all the Director of this particular agency was probably in Puerta Vallarta with his secretary on a "conference" anyway, and no one was watching the store?
You usually only get one shot at this business of going over someone's head. You have to make it count?
You MAY have better luck with the Governor's office since he appoints the head of the DMV but like I said, make it count.
I had a similar situation and the way it actually got solved was to write to my "Congressman". I got a phone call from his staff.
They verified what I wrote in the letter, then they called the "Director" of the agency directly on behalf.
Within an hour I had a phone call from the Director himself with an apology. He ordered a full investigation and it did take three days for the agency to correct the situation.
I did get another call back from the Director's aid asking if it had been corrected.
In my case going to the Congressman's office worked for me. Apparently even though this was a NYS agency, and there is a separation of powers, there is always some type of "Federal" funding available somewhere such as US Highway" funding and no one wants to be identified on the "evening news" as creating interest in a "Congressional Investigation" with agency heads being subpoenaed to testify in a WTF situation?
After all the Director of this particular agency was probably in Puerta Vallarta with his secretary on a "conference" anyway, and no one was watching the store?
You usually only get one shot at this business of going over someone's head. You have to make it count?
You MAY have better luck with the Governor's office since he appoints the head of the DMV but like I said, make it count.
Tim, did the safety check station refer you to the the state 'RECON' station in your county for reconstructed vehicles? Unfortunately, I don't know whether or not there is one in your county but the safety check station should know. The bad news is that even though the state inspector(assuming that there is one there) may agree to the design and mounting of OEM split bumpers, he may not approve the aftermarket bumpers you have. If they are anything like the carbon fiber ones my friend installed on his car, they are just for looks, the material may be strong but the tabs mounting them to the body are not and will crack or break if stress is applied like pushing on them. You will probably have to buy or borrow OEM bumpers to pass this thing.
BTW - I'm surprised they didn't ask you about your rims too. When the station that checks my cars did the initial inspection on my Pantera, the first thing he did after noticing the polished rims was check the door jam decal to verify the rim size. Mine doesn't have one since it was repainted. So, he asked me what the original rim size was and I told him it was 15". Both front and rear are 17" on mine he said that was still okay. 2" is the maximum rim diameter increase you can go to without having to go to RECON. But, he told me you can't have staggered rims such as 16's front and 17's. If you do, you may have to go through another song and dance to get RECON to approve it or tell you outright 'NO'. So, downplay the wheels if yours are staggered.
BTW - I'm surprised they didn't ask you about your rims too. When the station that checks my cars did the initial inspection on my Pantera, the first thing he did after noticing the polished rims was check the door jam decal to verify the rim size. Mine doesn't have one since it was repainted. So, he asked me what the original rim size was and I told him it was 15". Both front and rear are 17" on mine he said that was still okay. 2" is the maximum rim diameter increase you can go to without having to go to RECON. But, he told me you can't have staggered rims such as 16's front and 17's. If you do, you may have to go through another song and dance to get RECON to approve it or tell you outright 'NO'. So, downplay the wheels if yours are staggered.
Aloha Tim -- Unfortunately, there are some inspection stations in the state that are run by village idiots, that are clueless about classic, or limited production cars. It looks like you're dealing with one.
According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation manual for inspectors, You'd fail the inspection if, "They (the bumpers) do not conform to the State (291-35.1, HRS) or County requirements relating to height and performance; bumpers are not securely installed or mounted or; bumpers are damaged to the extent that sharp edges or protrusions could be unnecessarily hazardous to a pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle. Your car does not fall into any of these categories.
You're doing everything "right," by showing him pictures of other cars with bumpertettes, and I'd go one further by getting a copy of one of the DeTomaso factory images -- most clearly show the cars in production with bumperettes.
I think your best course of action is two-prong: First, reminiscent of your Matson experience when you originally shipped the car over: The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease. Fill Governor Ige and Mayor Billy Kenoi's inbox with email, and don't forget to include your local rep, Richard Creagan.
Secondly, I'd check with other exotic/classic/hot rod owners, and see where they take their cars for safety inspections. You might get in touch with Bob Trungale or Hal Nishida (I think Bob still has his '71, and Hal used to own Robert Stuhr's '72). If you want some legal advice, give Ed Kemper a shout. He's an attorney and owner of a '74. PM me if you need anyone's contact info.
If there's any way I can help you from Maui, just let me know, Brah!
According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation manual for inspectors, You'd fail the inspection if, "They (the bumpers) do not conform to the State (291-35.1, HRS) or County requirements relating to height and performance; bumpers are not securely installed or mounted or; bumpers are damaged to the extent that sharp edges or protrusions could be unnecessarily hazardous to a pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle. Your car does not fall into any of these categories.
You're doing everything "right," by showing him pictures of other cars with bumpertettes, and I'd go one further by getting a copy of one of the DeTomaso factory images -- most clearly show the cars in production with bumperettes.
I think your best course of action is two-prong: First, reminiscent of your Matson experience when you originally shipped the car over: The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease. Fill Governor Ige and Mayor Billy Kenoi's inbox with email, and don't forget to include your local rep, Richard Creagan.
Secondly, I'd check with other exotic/classic/hot rod owners, and see where they take their cars for safety inspections. You might get in touch with Bob Trungale or Hal Nishida (I think Bob still has his '71, and Hal used to own Robert Stuhr's '72). If you want some legal advice, give Ed Kemper a shout. He's an attorney and owner of a '74. PM me if you need anyone's contact info.
If there's any way I can help you from Maui, just let me know, Brah!
What about the fact that your car met FEDERAL safety standards (including bumpers) for use in ALL 50 states in the year in which it was made? The car's year hasn't changed, so how can they force you to conform to a later year's standards?
I had a similar issue years ago with a cop who gave me a ticket for having 'unauthorized' lights on my car. I went to court with the brochure for my car and showed the judge the factory fog lights the cop was referring to (and the cop agreed). When I pointed out to the judge that these were factory fog light that had obviously passed federal requirements for use on public roads in all 50 states in the year the car was built, he dismissed the case.
It sounds like this guy is trying to change laws from over 40 years ago!
Michael
I had a similar issue years ago with a cop who gave me a ticket for having 'unauthorized' lights on my car. I went to court with the brochure for my car and showed the judge the factory fog lights the cop was referring to (and the cop agreed). When I pointed out to the judge that these were factory fog light that had obviously passed federal requirements for use on public roads in all 50 states in the year the car was built, he dismissed the case.
It sounds like this guy is trying to change laws from over 40 years ago!
Michael
MADMAX RETURNS!
A long journey, almost over! I finally passed the safety check! After 3 times the inspector told us what we needed to do, each time we went ,he would say "no, needs to be connected here or there!?
well finally got the sticker and these ugly pipe bumpers will be replaced immediately with the carbon fiber ones! Then I might stick these up the inspectors ass! But first I plan on taking him to small claims court to pay for all this non sense and if that doesn't work I all proceed with a letter campaign to my elected Officials.
I'm back on the road, Legal this time!
A long journey, almost over! I finally passed the safety check! After 3 times the inspector told us what we needed to do, each time we went ,he would say "no, needs to be connected here or there!?
well finally got the sticker and these ugly pipe bumpers will be replaced immediately with the carbon fiber ones! Then I might stick these up the inspectors ass! But first I plan on taking him to small claims court to pay for all this non sense and if that doesn't work I all proceed with a letter campaign to my elected Officials.
I'm back on the road, Legal this time!
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Congrats for finally solving this problem. Good job. Next time you might want to paint the pipe bumpers pink. That would hurt less when you shoved them back us his *** LOL
Oh, that's just wrong to have to put that crap on your car at the whim of a village idiot inspector on a power-trip. Reminds me of when I removed a wall between a family room and living room to open up a great room... Did everything to the structural engineers plans, which the city had approved when I got my permits, then the inspector comes out and decides I need additional steel straps in various places - no, he doesn't have a structural engineering degree. I complied then a different inspector who was also on a power-trip showed up 2 days later, and he didn't like the additional straps I added (exactly per the last inspector) and told me that that guy told me the wrong thing, and that I now needed to remove them and do some different additional bracing. I asked to see his engineering degree... I reminded him that the structural engineer said I don't need the additional strapping, and the city plans inspector (his boss) agreed I don't need the additional strapping, my permit/plans show that I don't need the additional strapping, and that I've already complied to the permit/plans and gone above and beyond what was asked and required and don't intend to change it again. I then offered to call his boss to discuss the matter... He conceded and signed off on the inspection, but then found other "bull" to hassle me over - I had cut 4 holes in the ceiling for can lights and had fished a spare piece of Romex wire between two of them to see if it was the right length - he cited me for having exposed wiring and wouldn't 'final' the inspection. I yanked it out of the ceiling to demonstrate it wasn't connected to anything and explained that I was merely checking the length, but he told me "it's too late. I've already seen it." Absolutely ludicrous!
I sure hope you file suit for your trouble. It's absurd to put pipe-bumpers on an exotic sports car making it non-original to comply with some inspector's whimsy in order to pass inspection.
I sure hope you file suit for your trouble. It's absurd to put pipe-bumpers on an exotic sports car making it non-original to comply with some inspector's whimsy in order to pass inspection.
Glad you are now "legal". Good luck in getting some recourse.
However, after watching the drivers in parking lots around here. I think a brush guard/pusher bumper would be needed
However, after watching the drivers in parking lots around here. I think a brush guard/pusher bumper would be needed
Hey Garth66,
It sounds like these guys are inbred from the same family tree!
I think these are the guys that got blasted with a dirt clod to the head in 3rd grade and now they rule the world( their little turf!)
I'll keep you call posted on my next move,
Game on!
It sounds like these guys are inbred from the same family tree!
I think these are the guys that got blasted with a dirt clod to the head in 3rd grade and now they rule the world( their little turf!)
I'll keep you call posted on my next move,
Game on!
"What frightens me is that it is my Graduating class that is now in charge". It kinda' explains a lot? 
quote:Originally posted by OCWILEY:
the back.
Looks like a Mad Max car
You should sell the thing for big $$$ as a movie car!
Now, go on, and enjoy the car
Those pipes would look ok if you chromed them?
OCWiley,
I'm curious how things worked out in the end?
Reason I ask is that I got a call from a guy in HI last night who's got a Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer on one of the smaller islands, and he's getting hassled by the inspector. During the conversation, he commented that the inspector had told him about a Pantera that he'd been involved with, over the bumpers, and that the owner had eventually sold the car. (???) It sure sounded like your situation.
Now I notice that you haven't posted since that time. Anybody know what happened? Any updates available?
Thanks,
Paul
I'm curious how things worked out in the end?
Reason I ask is that I got a call from a guy in HI last night who's got a Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer on one of the smaller islands, and he's getting hassled by the inspector. During the conversation, he commented that the inspector had told him about a Pantera that he'd been involved with, over the bumpers, and that the owner had eventually sold the car. (???) It sure sounded like your situation.
Now I notice that you haven't posted since that time. Anybody know what happened? Any updates available?
Thanks,
Paul
Somebody said that the new POTUS is rolling back 75% of the EPA's rules, I know Obama was from Hawaii and not pro-car but maybe you should write Trump.
(Edited slightly by Admin)
(Edited slightly by Admin)